Man told to fell allotment trees

Mr Rogers says he will now try to sell or give away his trees

A man who planted more than 300 Christmas trees and a number of other trees on his allotment in Taunton, Somerset, has been ordered to clear it.

Clifford Rogers, 41, was told by the committee which runs the allotments the reason for having a £10 a year plot was to grow fruit and vegetables.

The environmentalist said he grew the trees to help preserve the species.

Patsy Manning from Turner's Allotments committee said it had a waiting list for people wanting to grow vegetables.

She said: "If you belong to an allotment association you have to abide by the rules.

"One of our rules is 75% cultivation and he is obviously not complying with that."

If he did not meet the committee's criteria we will have to come down a little bit harder on him Patsy Manning, allotment secretary

She said they did not like to throw people off allotments but added: "If it is annoying other members, it is not fair on them if he is allowed to carry on like this."

Mrs Manning said she hoped Mr Rogers would be able to cultivate his plot, but if he did not meet the committee's criteria "we will have to come down a little bit harder on him".

Mr Rogers said he intended to keep the allotment and would try to grow fruit and vegetables but added: "It is sad I am not being allowed to do what I want to do.

"I think about helping the planet every day I come here, because the allotment is all about nature and conservation.

"We are all obliged to do our part to save the planet, and I am growing these trees for the environment."

Another inspection of Mr Rogers' plot is due to take place in May.